Description

This wind quintet arrangement of Ballade by German Romantic composer Oskar Wermann (1840–1906) offers a beautifully crafted adaptation for flexible wind ensemble. 🎷🎺 Wermann, a celebrated organist 🎹, educator, and Kreuzkantor of Dresden’s Kreuzkirche, was deeply influenced by Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Rheinberger. His expressive Ballade has been thoughtfully arranged to highlight the rich textures and lyrical phrasing of wind instruments.

🎵 Scoring & Flexibility

This arrangement provides multiple instrument options per part, making it adaptable for various ensemble configurations. The parts are scored as follows:

🎻 Part 1: Flute, Clarinet in Eb
🎷 Part 2: Oboe, Clarinet in Bb
🎶 Part 3: Clarinet in Bb, Alto Saxophone, English Horn
🎺 Part 4: Horn in F, Alto Clarinet in Eb, Tenor Saxophone
🎼 Part 5: Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet in Bb

This flexibility allows the piece to be performed by a traditional wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon) or expanded to include saxophones and additional clarinets, making it perfect for school ensembles 🏫, community

wind groups 🎤, or professional chamber performances 🎭.

🎼 Musical Style & Difficulty

📊 Level: Medium
🎻 Style: Romantic-era lyricism with flowing melodies and lush harmonies
✨ Perfect For: Concerts, recitals, educational performances

🎹 About the Composer

Oskar Wermann was a key figure in Dresden’s 19th-century musical scene 🏛️, known for reviving Bach’s works and composing organ sonatas, choral music, and chamber pieces. His Ballade reflects his mastery of expressive phrasing and structural elegance, making it an engaging addition to the wind ensemble repertoire.

This arrangement preserves the emotional depth and beauty of Wermann’s original while offering versatile instrumentation, ensuring a rewarding performance experience for any ensemble.

🎶 Bring a Romantic-era gem to your next concert with this expressive and adaptable arrangement! ✨